A Comprehensive Guide to Study in the UK Without IELTS

A Comprehensive Guide to Study in the UK Without IELTS

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized language assessment examination used by institutions around the world to evaluate the language skills of potential international students. There are four sections to this test: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Students will receive an overall score for all of their basic English language skills after completing the three-hour test. Exams like these are used in English-speaking countries like the UK to check your language skills. This isn’t always the case, though. You can also study in the UK without the IELTS exam. Continue reading to learn more about it.

10+ UK Universities that Do Not Require IELTS

Amongst the UK’s vast range of highly ranked and globally acclaimed universities, many universities provide admission to foreign students without the compulsion of IELTS. Here are all the UK universities without IELTS:

• The University of Essex
• University of Central Lancashire
• The University of Greenwich
• University of Northampton
• University of Plymouth
• Portsmouth University
• Northumbria University
• Robert Gordon University
• University of Bolton
• London South Bank University
• University of Geneva
• Riga Technical University
• Audencia Nantes School of Management
• University of Bristol
• Birmingham City University
• University of Basel
• University of Warwick
• Sheffield Hallam University
• Aston University
• Bangor University
• Brunel University

UK Study Visa without IELTS 2024

Can you get a UK student visa without IELTS? Yes, it is possible to get a UK study visa without IELTS only if you can provide the immigration authorities with a document from the university you have admitted that you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS. Here are the key requirements for a UK study visa without IELTS:

• A document attested by your university with the statement that you can apply for UK study visa without IELTS scores.
• Acceptance letter from a university in the UK.
• Aspirants can also appear for the Secure English Language Test (SELT) mandated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as valid proof for English proficiency without IELTS.

How to Study in UK without IELTS?

IELTS is not the only way that a university can examine the English proficiency of applicants. If you haven’t taken the IELTS exam, there are some alternatives provided by universities in the UK. Let’s look at the substituting criteria of IELTS offered by UK universities:

• Online interview: Some universities may ask you to appear for an online interview to assess your English proficiency.
• English marks obtained in high school: If you have scored more than 70% in English in your high school, then some universities will consider your high school marks rather than IELTS. However, universities have set their own requirements for different courses. You can obtain more detailed information from Leverage Edu experts!
• English major: If you studied English as a major specialization while pursuing your undergraduate degree, then you do not need to appear for IELTS.
• Pre-sessional English Course: As elaborated above, some universities offer pre-sessional English courses for those who plan to study in UK without IELTS and thus can opt for these courses once they get accepted for their chosen degree or diploma program.

Eligibility Criteria For Studying in UK Without IELTS

To study abroad, especially in an English-speaking country, submission of English proficiency test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. plays a crucial role in the application procedure. Similarly, to study in the UK, IELTS is generally needed by many academic institutions but there is another way to get admission into an English university without providing these scores.

Yes, it is possible to study in UK without IELTS through the following requirements:

• Proof of over 70% in English in High School/Class XI and Class XII or transcript of a short-term English course
• Proof that English is the medium of instruction in your school
• Take an Online Interview conducted by the university
• An undergraduate degree in English
• Pursue a Pre-sessional English course offered by the university before starting your program in the UK

What Are the Best UK Universities Without IELTS?

Now that you know how you can study in the UK with IELTS, it’s time to see which universities are accepting applications without IELTS. Let’s explore some of these major universities in the UK that offer admission without IELTS in further detail.

University of Essex

The University of Essex is a leading UK university with over 15,000 students from nearly 130 nations. With one of the most internationally diverse student bodies in the UK and a long-standing reputation for striving for social change, it was named the University of the Year by the Times Higher Education Awards in 2018. One of the major reasons for the popularity of Essex is its easy application process. Do you know they offer an option to study in UK without IELTS? IELTS is a part of English language requirements but students don’t need to undergo this examination. There are other ways to complete your application and be an equal part of the university.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirements then you may be able to take a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to meet our English language requirements without retaking IELTS. These courses are delivered by the University of Essex International College for both UG and PG applicants. Popular courses to study at Essex are:

• BA Psychology 
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Economics
• BSc Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience
• BSc in Cognitive Science
• Integrated Masters in Science Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience
• Integrated Masters in Science Psychology with Advanced Research Methods
• Psychology Master’s Degree
• MSc Research Methods in Psychology
• Sport and Exercise Psychology Master’s Degree
• MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

London Southbank University

London Southbank University is one of the preferred ones for those planning to study in the UK. The university takes students based on merit, i.e. based on their score in XII standard or marks obtained in the undergraduate degree. Further, if you don’t have IELTS scores, then you can take up pre-study English courses at the university and get admission into your chosen course. For studying in UK without IELTS, London Southbank University is the right choice as it offers a plethora of courses in various streams such as humanities, arts, science, business, and management. Below are the major courses you can pursue at London Southbank University:

• BSc in Vehicle Engineering
• BA in Animation
• BSc in Baking Science and Technology
• Business Foundation Course
• Business Law LLB

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol was founded in 1595 and is one of the well-known universities in the UK providing direct admission through Universities and Colleges Admission Services for undergraduate courses (UCAS). Amongst the major universities to study in UK without IELTS, it provides part-time and full-time courses in various streams. The major courses offered by the University of Bristol are:

• BSc in Accounting and Finance
• BEng. in Aerospace
• BA in Anthropology
• BA in History
• BSc in Biochemistry

To get admission into the University of Bristol without IELTS, there are different programs you can choose from which don’t necessarily require language proficiency scores. Further, students can also take up a pre-sessional language course or pursue an English language certification in their country given the certification has been approved by the University of Bristol.

Sheffield Hallam University

One of the UK’s top universities, Sheffield Hallam University is located in South Yorkshire. The university provides a vast number of full-time and part-time courses in various fields. Here are the major specializations offered by Sheffield Hallam University:

• Accounting and Economics
• Accounting and Finance
• Animation
• Applied Social Sciences
• Business Analytics

To study in UK without IELTS at Sheffield Hallam University, you can take up an English Language course at the university’s TESOL centre where you will be prepared to reach the required score necessary for language proficiency.

Robert Gordon University

Amongst the leading universities in Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University was founded in 1992 and is globally renowned for courses in Technology, Architecture, and Engineering. It is amongst the major institutions to study in UK without IELTS as it provides applicants with the opportunity to enter an 8-week pre-sessional English program to boost their language proficiency. Offering a wide range of courses in almost every field of study, some of the prominent disciplines provided by the university are:

• Life Sciences
• Engineering
• Pharmacy
• Nursing
• Social Work and Law
• Business Administration
• Accountancy
• Social Sciences

Robert Gordon University also conducts its own RGU English Proficiency Test for those wanting to study in the UK without IELTS at this institution. This test can be taken in your home country or you can appear for the exam at the university itself before beginning your program.

University of Warwick

Situated on the outskirts of Coventry, the University of Warwick came into being in the year 1965 and has been consistently ranked amongst the world’s greatest universities. Home to three main faculties of Arts, Social Sciences as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine, it provides an array of programs in different disciplines of study including,

• Literary Studies
• Education
• Health
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Economics, amongst others.

The University of Warwick also provides pre-sessional English courses for those wanting to study in the UK without IELTS. By taking a course like this, you can prove your English language proficiency and then continue pursuing the program you have chosen to study.

UK Admission Process

International students applying to UK universities must follow a well-researched guide before starting their application process:

Step 1: Shortlist Courses and Universities

The primary step in the application process is to shortlist courses and universities according to your academic profile and preference. Students can shortlist courses and universities through our AI-Course Finder and generate a list of universities where they are most likely to get through and plan their application process.

Step 2: Know Your Deadlines

The next step is to know the exact deadlines of universities and colleges in the UK you are planning to apply to. International students have to take the application process well in advance (one year to 6 months before the actual deadline). This ensures that students can fulfil all the college requirements such as SOP, letters of recommendation, English proficiency tests, funding/scholarship options, and accommodation.

Step 3: Take Entrance Tests

The third step in the application process for UK universities requires students to take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or GRE/GMAT/LNAT/BMAT/MAT (in some courses). In some universities, students can be given submit scores for SAT or ACT exams. A new addition to English proficiency tests is the Duolingo Test which allows students to appear for the exam from the comfort of their homes and is accepted across the world.

Step 4:  Compile Your Documents

The next step is to compile all the required documents and test scores for the application process. This means students should start writing their SOPs, getting letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors, and arranging their financial statements along with other documents like tests scorecards.

Step 5: Get Started with Your Application

Once you have all the documents in place, students can start the application process either directly or through UCAS. Students applying to UK universities that accept direct applications can start by applying through the official university website. They have to select the courses, pay the application fees and start the online application process.